Pregnancy is a life-changing process and today’s medical science ensures that the mother and child stay healthy during this period. Pregnancy ultrasounds are one of the most important aspects of prenatal care, which monitor foetal development and identify pregnancy complications. Parents must know the importance of different types of scans during pregnancy. Essential to prenatal checkups, these scans for pregnant women provide invaluable information about the baby’s health and development.
In India, different types of ultrasound tests for pregnancy are conducted at various stages to monitor the baby’s growth and ensure safe delivery.
First Ultrasound during pregnancy
In India, there are several types of scans conducted during pregnancy that assist in monitoring the health and development of the baby and the mother. One of the most frequently asked questions parents ask is,” When is the first ultrasound done for pregnancy?”
The first ultrasound during pregnancy is an important milestone. 1st scan during pregnancy is usually performed between 6 to 9 weeks to confirm pregnancy, check for multiple pregnancies and detect the baby’s heartbeat. The first ultrasound in pregnancy also serves to calculate the due date and confirm that pregnancy is normal. If there are any issues found such as an ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage signs, this first scan during pregnancy helps in early detection and treatment.
Scans during pregnancy also assists in determining the number of foetuses and reducing any early pregnancy complications including miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy. Being aware of when the first scan is done in pregnancy enables doctors to predict the correct due dates and plan further prenatal care.
Types of Ultrasounds and scans for pregnant women
There are different types of pregnancy ultrasound, and each has a specific reason. Knowing when the first scan is done in pregnancy ensures timely prenatal care and early detection of any complications. Though there are several scans conducted for pregnant women, understanding when the first ultrasound is done for pregnancy sets the stage for the whole prenatal scanning schedule. Let’s examine the scans that are recommended during pregnancy in India.
- Transvaginal ultrasound (TVS)
This ultrasound is done to get a better picture of the embryo and uterus. It helps to detect early pregnancy complications like ectopic pregnancy or abnormal growth.
- Abdominal Ultrasound
This scan is very common during pregnancy. It is done by sliding a probe over the belly. It is used to track foetal development and growth throughout pregnancy.
- NT Scan (Nuchal Translucency Scan)
This type of ultrasound for pregnancy is performed between the 11th and 14th week. This monitors the thickness of fluid behind the baby’s neck to determine the risk of chromosomal disorders such as Down syndrome.
- Anomaly Scan (level 2 ultrasound)
This ultrasound is done between the 18th and 22nd weeks. This helps check the baby’s organs, bones and development. It also diagnoses structural defects such as cleft lips, spinal conditions and heart defects.
- Growth scan-
This is conducted in the third trimester of pregnancy. It helps detect weight, amniotic fluid volume and functioning of the baby’s placenta. It checks whether the baby’s weight is healthy or not.
Choosing the right Pregnancy Supplements: Doctor’s recommendation after the first scan during pregnancy
While ultrasound and various scans during pregnancy help track the baby’s health, pregnancy supplements are vital in monitoring the baby’s health and development. These prenatal tablets bridge the nutritional gaps and meet all the increased demands. They also help to prevent nutritional deficiencies.
Prenatal vitamins can sometimes cause disorders like constipation and digestion issues.
Trimacare pregnancy supplement is the first multivitamin in India to provide trimester-specific nutrition and pregnancy requirements. It contains more than 20 essential nutrients meeting the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) Recommended Daily Allowances (RDA) for pregnant women in India. Trimacare pregnancy multivitamin also has Time-Release Iron to reduce gastrointestinal irritation and bloating. Trimacare prenatal tablets also contain a bowel regulator that efficiently treats pregnancy-induced constipation.
It is important to take pregnancy vitamins only under a doctor’s supervision. After reviewing your scans during pregnancy, doctors recommend the most appropriate prenatal pills to support a healthy pregnancy.
Conclusion
The first ultrasound in pregnancy is important for ensuring pregnancy, while subsequent scans ensure no complications. In addition to routine types of ultrasounds for pregnancy and a healthy diet, pregnancy supplements must be taken to ensure a healthy pregnancy.
Knowing the various scans during pregnancy and the first scan during pregnancy enables would-be parents to prepare for every milestone. Each scan for pregnant women is one step closer to getting to know their little one.
FAQs
Q1. When am I supposed to have my first ultrasound during pregnancy?
The first ultrasound in pregnancy is typically performed between 6 to 9 weeks to establish pregnancy, detect a foetal heartbeat, and calculate the due date.
Q2. Is it safe to perform more than one pregnancy ultrasound?
Yes, pregnancy ultrasounds are safe as they employ sound waves, not radiation. Ultrasounds are advised by doctors based on medical needs to track foetal well-being.
Q3. Why are pregnancy supplements essential alongside ultrasounds?
Pregnancy supplements such as folic acid, iron, calcium, and omega-3 fatty acids aid in foetal growth, prevent birth defects and maintain maternal health throughout pregnancy.
Q4. Why is scan essential for pregnant women?
The scan during pregnancy is essential to confirm the pregnancy, monitor foetal growth, check the position of the baby, and identify any potential issues early. These scans provide crucial information at different stages of pregnancy.
Q5. What to expect in the 1st scan during pregnancy?
In the first scan during pregnancy, you can expect the doctor to look for the heartbeat of the baby, assess the gestational sac, and confirm the due date. It may be done transvaginal if the pregnancy is very early.
